England are favourites against All Blacks, and fearless Wales are an inspiration

England’s 78-15 win over Japan has strengthened Matt Dawson’s belief that they can beat New Zealand and should approach next weekend’s match as favourites. The former England player says the key test is whether the team can maintain its recent form while handling the pressure of being seen as a contender.

Dawson argues that England’s attack has looked more varied than New Zealand’s, whose play he considered one-dimensional in their defeat by Wales, though he notes the All Blacks were missing several leading players. He says the next two Tests against New Zealand could show how far England have progressed, while praising Wales’ performance as a source of confidence and inspiration.